From Bandcamp, WINGS DENIED is “a collision of fate and sound, born in the melting pot of Washington, D.C., where four students from distant corners of the world found themselves under the same roof. Their music threads a delicate line between metal and alternative rock, blending the brooding atmospheres of DEFTONES, the grungy, blues-soaked vocals of ALICE IN CHAINS, and the technicality and experimentation modern prog metal.” The album has nine songs.

“Plastic Tears” is first, and I definitely get the grungy and blues influence in the music. The vocalist also sings with a good deal of soul, and he has a clear voice. Besides some meter shifts however, I am not getting many Progressive elements. “Pariah” has a very fuzzy and weighted bottom end, akin to KING’S X. The verses are just a little on the thin side, and it seems to me that the band could push more of the weight into the sound to thicken it up, It’s a catchy song however. “Lost in it All” has funky bass notes in the beginning, and an obvious swing in the music. It’s a melancholy offering done with a good deal of emotion, and I like the melody line in the chorus.

“Lifebroker” has a familiar 90’s sound it, but the various melody lines don’t connect well. Every time they shift it, it sounds like the song is playing catch up. “Saudade” is both a darker and more linear song with a catchy swing to it. The vocal harmonies are a nice contrast to the heavy and fuzzy riffs. “Mr. Nice Guy” is another catchy song, and that quality the band has down. It’s also just a little dark, but I love the bass slaps. “Traces” is the “love song” on the album, and I say that from the heart. It provides a moment to think and take inspiration from the music and the lyrics. They pour a lot of emotion into the song. “Children of Tomorrow” closes the album, and it has a heavier edge to it.

This was a good album and a pleasurable listening experience. I get many of the Alternative and Metal elements which are blended well on the album, but the Progressive elements are more subtle. The band is talented, and they have a propensity for writing catchy songs that stick with you.